For years I heard from people how nice the original Kos Kruiser frames were to ride especially for tall riders. I’m 6ft 3 and need a layback post on almost every 26” I own and as well as on my 29” SE’s.
I wanted an early Kos from the first day I saw one on a riser in a department store in town but no amount of work during the weekends or school holidays was going to get me one as I worked for my dad for free. I was one of 5 kids he had at private schools and an expensive American bike for this Aussie kid was a luxury he couldn’t afford.
Last year I finally got a frame and fork and built it up. Riding it for the first time I was blown away. It fit me like it was made for me even though it was designed as a race bike. The geometry with its extra long top tube and low bottom bracket compared to many of the bmx cruisers today makes it so comfortable and the short chain stays makes it take off like a cut cat when you stand on it.
If I had to make a choice to keep only one bike out of the 15+ I own it would be this one. Those guys in the 80’s certainly knew what they were doing.
My reissue 2012 Kos. You can see it looks more cramped with its shorter top tube and higher bottom bracket. A great bike to ride but not as comfortable as the original.
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